Stanley #45 vs the Wards #78

Needed to cutter a couple rebates in the back corner posts of that dresser, to house a plywood back.    Whether to use the 45...or..the 78?

Clamped a side to the bench......but first, I needed to 1)  dig the 78 out of it's box, and sharpen the cutter, 2) reset the 45 with the no. 17 straight cutter, and sharpen that cutter.   The 78 also had a bit of rust starting to "bloom" so that got cleaned up, too.

Set the 45 up

Was trying to set the fence for a 5/8" wide cut...wound up being just over 1/2".....no biggie

Next I set up the 78..

I got it a bit closer to that 5/8" wide.   Yeah, got the first side in the clamps on the bench..

Almost too big?   And then tried the Wards 78..

That big, old knot at the far end?  the 78 just cut right on through there.  Thumb did get a bit sore, trying to hold the plane steady.   Have to keep the fence against the work, while making all of this mess..

Once the first couple passes are done with a finely set iron, then you can hog the rest off.  Then a final fine pass. 

Ok, now for the 45.  clamped the other side into the bench..

As you can see, it also cuts a decent rebate.  This side had a pair of knots...the cutter on the 45 does not like knots, and chattered the entire time when going over them.  still cut them, just protested.   Lots of shavings as well, just...different..

As there isn't the adjustment for depth like on the 78.   Once the depth is set, that's it, unless you want to stop and loosen and adjust and tighten back up.  PITA.    But, the plane is much easier on the left hand to hold and push the plane.  Still have to push on the fence to keep it against the work.     As for it's rebate?

Both are about the same.   I set things for a 1/4" depth and around 1/2" or so wide. 

IF you don't mind a very sore thumb, a Stanley/Wards No. 78 is a nice way to do these.   It will also do this on the ends of a board, as it has a nicker for cross grain work.

IF you have the Stanley #45 or it's relatives, it works nicely here as well.  HEAVIER is all.   The 78 seems to weigh about half what the 45 did today.  The 45 is easier on the hands, though. 

Well, test is done, I have some other chores to finish up, today..

Need to cut a few panels, to finish up side #2....